swelling

1 of 2

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

swelling

2 of 2

present participle of swell entry 1

Synonyms of swelling

Noun

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

Examples of swelling in a Sentence

Noun

There was a swelling above her eye.

The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

He was diagnosed with brain swelling, put on a ventilator and died in 2022 of complications from Type 1 diabetes. — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The concern is as the days go on, the swelling is going to go into his hand. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Other advantages of what Belkin is calling its BoostSolid Cell technology include a reduced risk of overheating that could cause swelling or fires and consistent power delivery across a wider temperature range. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026

Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories may also help relieve itching and swelling. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for swelling

• belling
• celling
• dwelling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling

Kids Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing

ˈswel-iŋ

1

: something that is swollen

especially : a swollen part of the body

2

: the condition of being swollen

Medical Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswel-iŋ- 

: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

an inflammatory swelling